The Ocean Youth Trust has been selected as one of the 26 charities that will enjoy an unexpected windfall from the Royal wedding.

Prince William and Kate Middleton have launched the Royal Wedding Charitable Gift Fund for well-wishers who will not be attending their nuptials, but still wish to send a gift.

Many of the charities, including the Ocean Youth Trust, aim to help disadvantaged children reach their potential.

Clarence House said that many of the charities has been chosen because their unsung work resonated with the Royal couple.

The Ocean Youth Trust is four separate, independent charities based in Scotland, Ireland and the north and south of England.

Southern area chief executive Mark Todd said: ‘This is a fantastic recognition of our charitable work and will make a hugely positive contribution towards our key aims of taking more young people to sea and raising funds towards a new purpose-built sail training vessel.

‘We hope that it will inspire more young people from all backgrounds to want to sail with us. We are a small charity and this could make a really significant difference to our long-term future.’

Scottish area chief executive Nick Fleming said: ‘It’s always great to hear that someone wants to support Ocean Youth Trust and adventure under sail, but it’s not every day that those supporters turn out to be Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

‘I’m sure all the young people who sail with us, our members, volunteers and supporters will be as delighted as me and wish the couple all the best.’

Visit www.royalweddingcharityfund.org for a full list of the charities on the list and to donate to the Royal Wedding Charitable Gift Fund.

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